Ford and GM scored high in Consumer Reports' 2010 survey of new car reliability.

Like several recent evaluations -- including J.D. Power's 2010 Initial Quality study -- the Consumer Reports study buttresses the perception that finally, U.S. automakers have figured out that they can produce quality vehicles and drivers are eager to purchase them, like the Ford Flex, below.

Consumer Reports notes that "a large share of GM's models are now rated average or better" and that "while some GM nameplates had been among the bottom brands in past years, they now rank above some major European competitors."

Meanwhile, "Ford continues to be the most reliable American automaker" and " Chrysler remained the lowest-ranked manufacturer in our survey." Only one vehicle, the Dodge Ram 1500, deemed worthy of a recommendation.

Among foreign manufacturers, "the major Asian brands are still doing well overall," the magazine said. Also, "while European reliability had shown improvement in recent years, momentum seems to have stalled."

The study is based on an annual survey of subscribers to Consumer Reports and Consumer Reports.org.